is therefore important to ensure that the process of drafting the report includes all relevant government agencies and that external stakeholders, such as NGOs and NHRIs, are given an opportunity to comment on the report. The main stakeholders that can influence this stage of the process are the government officials responsible for the coordination of the drafting process. The coordination will often be done by either the ministry of foreign affairs or justice, but there is no fixed format for how this is done. The method for influencing these government officials varies greatly from country to country, but it is often done through direct oral or written contact with the relevant officials or through intermediaries with more power to influence. Such intermediaries could be other government agencies, the NHRI, or representatives of other governments in your country who can influence your government due to bilateral relations or because they are an important donor. Since the process of drafting the State report is often rather long (deadline for submission is usually 16-19 months after adoption of the LOIPR), it is important to start these efforts immediately after the adoption of the LOIPR or even before. Phase 3 – Influencing the hearing in Geneva The main purpose of the oral hearing in Geneva is to have a high quality and constructive dialogue on how the State has implemented its obligations under UNCAT. This dialogue is based on the State report and all other information available to the Committee, such as reports from NGOs, NHRIs and other UN agencies. The main objective for NGOs seeking to influence the review is to ensure that the dialogue adequately focuses on and addresses your priority issues in a manner that is as constructive as possible, without compromising on the substance. A thorough discussion of your priority issues can greatly facilitate the development of high quality and targeted recommendations in the relevant area since it assures that all Committee members have substantive knowledge of the issue. The main stakeholders that can help to achieve this objective are: the country rapporteurs; the Committee; Committee members with special interests; and State representatives from relevant ministries and the Permanent Mission in Geneva. The country rapporteurs are the ones leading the dialogue, and it is thus important that they have sufficient background information to adequately address and discuss your priority issues with the State representatives. Similarly, it is important to promote that the State delegation be composed of individuals who have expertise within the relevant areas that the dialogue is likely to address and specifically on your priority issues. These two elements are crucial for achieving a high quality and constructive dialogue. Individual Committee members can also be important actors if your priorities are aligned with their special interest since they might be able to engage in more thorough dialogue with the State than Committee members less knowledgeable on these issues. In addition, it is important to have a broad range of Committee members addressing your priority issues so the State is aware that they enjoy broad support in the Committee. There are several formal and less formal Engaging with State reviews in the UN Committee against Torture: A practical guide 17